This past two months in Africa have been crazy. They have been some of the hardest months of my Race so far, but I am thankful for the many lessons I learned through it. I have compiled a list of things I have learned through team leading 9 girls, living in a house of 18, running an after school program, rebuilding a community garden, doing train ministry, running summer camps, and living life in Cape Town.
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On your first day of team leading, when your ministry host calls and tells you that your team has a surprise full day of ministry in t- minus 30 minutes, a positive attitude is always contagious.
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Having a good repertoire of Girl Scout camp songs is always a good idea
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We are blessed if we have food to eat three times a day. Some of the kids we fed at our camp had last eaten days ago.
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If you are a white girl on a mission trip in Africa, your hair will inevitably be played with. For hours.
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Wifi is super hard to find in Africa, and my phone has not turned on since Cambodia, but I have learned that it is always better to be where your feet are anyway.
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When things are happening at home and you just want to be there for everyone, you have to trust God that you are more needed on the other side of the world than at home.
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I don’t have a “type” for friends, and everyone is worth getting to know.
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Everyone that God places in your life has something to teach you.
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Sometimes, the Lord cuts back branches that are already bearing fruit so that they can grow back stronger and bear more fruit.
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During scary situations in sketchy parts of Cape Town, the Lord’s protection always goes out with us.
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When you do the Lord’s work, you may not always see the fruit of your labor, but you can trust that seeds are being planted.
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The best relationships are the ones that bring you ice cream as you hysterically cry on the kitchen floor about losing your wallet on the train containing your passport (don’t worry, world, it was found and returned, thank God).
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Fruits and vegetables are delicacies.
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Trying to apply to (or sneak into) a college on the other side of the world isn’t the easiest thing in the world.
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The best place to discover new music is on a taxi ride to ministry.
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Expect the unexpected.
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Actually, just drop your expectations altogether.
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God is proud of you, and all you can do is your best.
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When at the beach, swim in the water. Even if it’s cold.
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Always live with a posture of gratitude towards anyone going out of their way for you.
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When God asks you to do something, just say “yes.” It is always worth it and He will always help you through it.
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It is always good to laugh at yourself (even when walking to the grocery store, tripping over nothing, and eating the pavement).
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The Holy Spirit can give you peace and joy through any situation.
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Finding rest in the Lord is the most important thing you can do for yourself and for your team, especially as a leader.
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Life is meant to be lived in community.
As for a current update…. we have started working in the schools of Westlake! We are still running the aftercare program with the boys back. Otherwise, we are soaking up the small amount of time we have left here in Cape Town (possibly the most beautiful place I have ever lived) and enjoying life at the Loveshack. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare to head to Nicaragua in March!
